CONVICTED MURDERER FROM TEXAS PLEADS GUILTY TO BEING A FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN CADDO PARISH

A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division investigation led to a Texas man pleading guilty to possessing a firearm by a convicted felon on Aug. 29 in U.S. Federal Western District Court in Shreveport.

Larry R. Baker, 50, of Maud, Texas, entered a guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Tom Stagg to possessing a firearm after being convicted and serving time for a murder in Texas and other felonies.

Baker faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. A sentencing date of Dec. 5, 2013 was set.

LDWF agents arrested Baker for night hunting violations and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on Jan. 11, 2013 in Caddo Parish. Agents observed Baker west of Rodessa operating a motor vehicle traveling north on United Gas Road #1 near the Texas state line. Baker stopped his vehicle and emerged with a flashlight and a gun.

Baker was then observed firing his weapon at what appeared to be a deer standing near the roadway in his headlights. Upon further investigation, agents found that Baker had been recently released from prison after serving 20 years for a Texas murder conviction.

Baker was found guilty of murder on Aug. 5, 1993 in the 54th District Court of McLennan County, Texas. Baker also has prior burglary and property theft convictions. Baker bought the firearm from an individual who did not know Baker was a convicted felon.

LDWF and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabaco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert W. Gillespie Jr. and U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley prosecuted the case.